URBANDALE, Iowa -- On Earth Day, Kum & Go LC announced that it has secured its 100th LEED certification from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) for its use of sustainable construction and design at a new convenience store in Urbandale, Iowa. The store has achieved a LEED Silver certification.
LEED, or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is a points‐based rating system that focuses on environmentally friendly design including energy and water efficiency, sustainable site development, material selection and indoor environmental quality. Ranking occurs at various levels including Certified, Silver, Gold and Platinum.
Kum & Go currently has 12 stores with Gold certification, 57 have the Silver certification and 31 others have been Certified.
In December 2009, Kum & Go became the first convenience store in Iowa to receive LEED certification. Kum & Go is also the first to participate in USGBC’s LEED Volume program. The company has more LEED-certified stores than any convenience-store chain in the world.
Since 2011, Kum & Go designs and builds all of the company's new stores, such as this one in Urbandale, for LEED submission and certification. USGBC also ranks the company fifth in retail certifications. Kum & Go LEED stores use 20% less water and 30% less energy than typical stores of their size, said the company. During construction, Kum & Go LEED stores use 20% recycled materials such as steel and concrete.
“Having 100 LEED-certified stores is a huge achievement,” said Rick Fedrizzi, CEO and founding chair, USGBC, “and a significant milestone for this company that has made sustainability leadership part of its DNA. We congratulate Kum & Go for this tremendous accomplishment and for demonstrating that convenience and sustainability go hand in hand. The company is a great role model for other retailers who want the operating benefits of high-performing buildings and the reputational benefits that go along with providing healthy, comfortable spaces for their employees and customers.”
“This is a big milestone for us,” said Kyle Krause, CEO of Kum & Go. “Not only being recognized for achieving LEED status for the 100th time, but knowing the hard work that goes into becoming LEED certified is the right choice for our business and how we can best serve our communities while being good stewards of sustainability.”
Click here to view a 3-D model of sustainable practices.
Family-owned Kum & Go, based in West Des Moines, Iowa, has more than 430 convenience stores and 11 states--Iowa, Arkansas, Colorado, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota and Wyoming.
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